First, this seems pretty important and I would think would warrant a separate area on the X5 World homepage. Maybe the creators/administrators of the site could do something like that.

Second, rather than having everyone rack their brains in getting the SIB, can't one of the sponsors of the site (who works for BMW...like Morristown) post it? Don't they have access to such information? I mean it seems like 75% of the posts in the forum could be answered and answered best by someone with inside knowledge of the TIS/ETK/ASAP systems.

Seriously, is it possible that no one working for a BMW dealership in the entire world is an enthusiast enough to be a regular contributing member for a major forum such as this? Do all these people consider the job 9 to 5 and never devote a second of their own volunteer time to helping out real enthusiasts?

mgruber,
There have been, and are, a few employees of BMW reading, lurking and
occasionally posting here; there may be more than any of us know.

I suspect most/all of them are bound or obligated or simply feel it
inappropriate to disclose their real IDs and post any inside "dope".

As for the Stlr(s) that support/post here, they too may be less than
enthusiastic over the idea of pumping up info for the board.

Most of the car boards I peruse have an occasional "tech", but most
give up very little info beyond the common knowledge stuff.

We would all like to see more inside skinny, but I doubt we will get it.
My 2Cts...
BR,mD

I sort of see your point and do appreciate your comment, but let's think about it... These people don't have to give their names and I'm sure TSB's, etc. could easily be sent to the administrators for posting. My point is that so many issues that people have questions about continually could get answered in no time flat with someone that had access to ASAP that it's almost crazy. We are all BMW enthusiasts, but with no insider knowledge, and without that we can only speculate, sometimes to our serious detriment, on issues. Personally I find nothing more frustrating than going to the dealer and getting a different answer for the same question from just as many people. I've yet to find the perfect tech advisor or parts guy (person), or dealership. All of them seem like they are staffed by people who might wear BMW badges, but drive Toyotas. So many times posters have mentioned various dealers and personnell that were awesome help.... well where are these people?

mGruber,
Ya'll preaching to the choir, here!

"They" just don't come outta the woodwork, and if
they do, they are stealthy and/or reticent.

Hellsbells, getting up-to-date TSBs, etc. out of BMW
is a hard dig, unlike most of the mfg'ers.


I/we all hear you and agree, however.
BR,mD

FYI, no update on this end. Still trying to get the Service Bulletin...

I'm having this problem as well, but I was told by an independent repair shop that BMW does not have a new repair kit for the '01 X5 4.4 engine. That doesn't seem to jive with what was said above.

I'd put that heater on if it were available so the next guy who owns this car doesn't have this problem. I am DEFINITELY selling it as soon as it's fixed. I hope there is a buyer out there. I've looked on autotrader and yahoo autos and if I sell it for $14,500 I should be one of the lower priced X's on the market.

Is this something that BMW will do as preventive maintenance or will they only address this issue when something breaks? I live in the south, but drive to Ohio regularly to see family. I would hate for my dealer down here to laugh at me about this then when I drive to Cleveland in the winter have my engine freeze up.

I would assume when it breaks or if it looks like you are getting excessive build up.

I think from my experience, only if it breaks. Sorry, but mine had to break in 20 below weather before this got done. Bad design from BMW, this is my only issue with them. They just can't do anything about it. Also keep on top of your crack case hoses that are under the engine cover in the back of the engine. Make sure they are not melted and I think this should help the oil sep from freazing up. Good luck

wow, that sucks, sorry to hear it.